Lokpal has called for a CBI probe against TMC leader Mahua Moitra in the cash-for-queries case. The anti-corruption body also asked the central agency to probe the claims under under Section 20(3)(a) and submit a report within six months. An official communique noted that there remained ‘no doubt’ that the allegations against Moitra were ‘extremely serious’ and required a deeper probe.
“We direct the CBI, under Section 20(3)(a) to investigate all aspects of the allegations made in the complaint, and submit a copy of the Investigation Report within a period of six months from the date of receipt of this order. The CBI shall also file periodical reports regarding the status of the investigation, every month," the organisation said.
The CBI had earlier conducted a preliminary inquiry into the allegations against the former Lok Sabha MP on the reference from the Lokpal. The senior politician was expelled in December 2023 after being held guilty of accepting ‘bribes’ in order to pose questions to the Parliament.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had made a complaint against her to Lok Sabha Speaker alleging that she accepted "cash and gifts" from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to “ask questions in Parliament". It was alleged that Moitra received " ₹2 crore in cash from Shri Darshan Hiranandani, in Indian and foreign currency, in lieu of asking questions in Parliament". Moitra has denied any wrongdoing and claimed she was being targeted as she raised questions about the deals of the Adani Group.
“Satyamev Jayate. Today, considering my complaint as true, the Lokpal ordered the CBI to investigate against Mahua Moitra. That is, for a few rupees, the former Trinamool Congress MP indulged in corruption and mortgaged the country's security with Hiranandani," Dubey tweeted..
(With inputs from agencies)
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